Storage of energy during idle time

What is idle time?

Idle time, φ [h]: period between the end of storage charge and the beginning of a subsequent discharge. Several works indicate a link between RES penetration and the need for storage, whose required capacity is suggested to increase from 1.5 to 6 % of the annual energy demand when moving from 95 to 100 % RES share .

Do idle losses matter for different storage technologies?

Idle losses differ across technologies, but matter for storage options where the duration is unknown (such as charging up gravity storage and waiting for dispatch). Fig. 5. Equivalent efficiency of different storage technologies as a function of time.

How underground space can be used for storing thermal energy?

There are different configurations available in which underground space can be utilized for storing thermal energy, which are aquifer storage, borehole storage, pit storage. Aquifer storage stores energy in the natural underground water reservoir and its surrounding porous matrix.

How do you compare long-duration energy storage technologies (LDEs)?

Review commercially emerging long-duration energy storage technologies (LDES). Compare equivalent efficiency including idle losses for long duration storage. Compare land footprint that is critical to market entry and project deployment. Compare capital cost-duration curve.

How does the technology landscape affect long-duration energy storage?

The technology landscape may allow for a diverse range of storage applications based on land availability and duration need, which may be location dependent. These insights are valuable to guide the development of long-duration energy storage projects and inspire potential use cases for different long-duration energy storage technologies.

Can long-duration energy storage technologies solve the intermittency problem?

Long-duration energy storage technologies can be a solution to the intermittency problem of wind and solar power but estimating technology costs remains a challenge. New research identifies cost targets for long-duration storage technologies to make them competitive against different firm low-carbon generation technologies.